If you take a minute to think about Paul Rodgers' legacy, it's hard
not to argue it's a brilliant one. Rodgers has been an integral
part of Free, Bad Company, The Firm and toured with Queen, as well as
putting out some very cool solo material, including a tribute to Muddy
Waters. That's one hell of a history. Maybe he doesn't get the attention
that others do because he is from the UK, but the man has produced some
really memorable stuff. He is a consummate professional, but in today's
day and age of outrageousness, I guess it doesn't measure up.

After touring with Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen for two years
and helping those two continue the Queen legacy, Rodgers
assembled a band and toured England in October 2006 playing songs from
his past and a couple of new ones. Rodgers has such a rich catalogue,
I am sure culling it down was a challenging task.

You get your standard “Feel Like Makin' Love,” “Can't Get Enough of
Your Love,” and “Bad Company,” the three biggest hits for
the Rodgers-led Bad Company. It is the 30- plus-year-old music of Free
that absolutely rocks. “Wishing Well,” “I'll Be Creepin',” and “I Just
Want To See You Smile” are great songs played with zeal and energy. Each
chord has a purpose and the words fit perfectly within the musical context.
Also included (now how much would you pay?), are “All Right
Now” (the Free classic) and “Radioactive” from the Firm. His band --
made up of Howard Leese on guitar (Heart), bassist Lynn Sorenson, Ryan
Hole (Collective Soul) on drums and 17-year-old guitar prodigy Kurtis
Dengler -- approach the material with zest and professionalism. The performance
really pops for an enjoyable hour and 27 minutes.

The extras are interesting. Rodgers' answers to various questions –
including which guitarist he would choose if he had to pick one, which
band he would join if he could join any band, and records he would choose
to put in a time capsule – are fascinating, and the 18-plus minute interview
provides wonderful insight. The solo acoustic number from Rodgers' son,
Steve Rodgers, clearly demonstrates that talent is hereditary. The younger
Rodgers sounds exactly like his father; if the solo career thing doesn't
work out, he could form an awesome Bad Company tribute band.